Please Meet Chromium Cobalt Hip, Formerly Known as Bone Hip

 

Today was my last scheduled appointment for 2019 for my hip replacement surgery. Unless something unforeseen happens, and I fervently hope that's not the case, I won't return for X-rays until next year. I am now permitted to travel by air, bend my leg and return to the gym. I laugh when I write this last phrase. I was never among the first chosen for teams growing up and gym was not a favorite time for me. But I am looking forward to getting back to my yoga classes and trying aqua aerobics. I'm going to do one more month of physical therapy and work on stretching my still somewhat stiff leg muscles and improve my balance. 

I have thankfully avoided the big risks after hip surgery -- infection, a blood clot and dislocating my new hip. It's still possible to dislocate my hip -- falling is the big risk -- but a blood clot is unlikely and the risk of infection is primarily a concern with dental work or other medical procedures. I'm still in the three month window of recovery, but if I'm prudent I'm permitted to get a pedicure, and a mini-spa day in the neighborhood is on my schedule.

So long last, please meet my right hip, Cobalt Chromium (CC), formerly known as Bone Hip. Thanks, Bone Hip for sixty eight years of companionship. You were with me for thousands of miles of walking, hundreds of miles of swimming laps and years of tap dancing. You carried me to many countries and seven continents. CC, glad you're on board for the thousands of miles yet to walk and laps to swim. We're going to have fun.

I've realized any number of things as a result of my hip replacement surgery. Days without pain are a gift. Walking is a gift and walking without a limp is a gift. My cane has been my trusty companion through this experience and even in crowded, busy New York it guarantees me a seat on the bus or subway. I'll be happy to retire it to its place in the back of the coat closet, but for now we're going steady.

We had one of our few snow days today. Usually by this time of the winter, we've had so much snow that I'm ready to box it up and ship every last flake far, far away. But we've really had very little snow and I enjoyed being outside and seeing the flakes fall. I don't have to worry about snow for the next little while. In the wacky weather world we've been experiencing the prediction for tomorrow is high 40s and high 50s on Sunday.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care!